Wall anchor assemblies

ABSTRACT

An anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wall includes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. The first anchor component includes a base having front, back, top, bottom, left and right sides, and at least one wall penetrating retainer extending from the base and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a downwardly curved configuration. The second anchor component includes a base having front, back, top, bottom, left and right sides, at least one wall penetrating retainer extending from the base of the second anchor component and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the base of the second anchor component and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component is pivotably associated with the first anchor component for movement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoring orientation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to wall anchors and related systems,methods and components.

BACKGROUND

Numerous products exist for installing a hook or hanging device in awall, such as for hanging a picture frame, a mirror, or the like.Conventional nails and screws are not always convenient solutions andmay not provide sufficient support strength in the wall, particularly inthe case of drywall, or other friable wallboards, which are relativelyweak.

Anchors incorporating curved saber tooth shaped retainers are known fromU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,974,166 and 8,414,239. However, such anchors are stilldifficult for the typical homeowner to install and use properly becausea hammer is generally needed to complete the anchor installation. Theseanchors also generally have a large wall penetration that tends tocrumble and weaken the surrounding wall media adjacent the penetrationand leave a large hole that is not easily repaired. It is alsoimpractical to reposition these types of anchors after initial insertionin locations proximate the original hole for the purpose of making minorposition adjustments.

It would be desirable to provide an anchor device and relatedinstallation method that facilitates ease of installation, but at thesame time results in an anchor with a high support strength and lessdamage to the wallboard, leaving relatively small holes upon anchorremoval and therefore also permitting minor position adjustments ifneeded. To provide these advantages in connection with an anchor thatinstalls without reference to stud or other supporting structurelocation and/or without concern for wires or pipes behind the wall,would also be beneficial.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a base having front, back, top, bottom,left and right sides, and at least one wall penetrating retainerextending from the base and having a wall penetrating extent thatprotrudes rearwardly of the base and has a downwardly curvedconfiguration. The second anchor component includes a base having front,back, top, bottom, left and right sides, at least one wall penetratingretainer extending from the base of the second anchor component andhaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the baseof the second anchor component and has a curved configuration. Thesecond anchor component is pivotably associated with the first anchorcomponent for movement between an anchoring orientation and anon-anchoring orientation. In the anchoring orientation the back side ofthe base of the second anchor component is positioned at least in partin front of the front side of the base of the first anchor component andthe wall penetrating extent of the second anchor component has adownwardly curved configuration and protrudes rearwardly of the base ofthe first anchor component. In the non-anchoring orientation the secondanchor component is pivoted away from the first anchor component. Atleast one hook element extends forwardly from the anchor assembly whenthe second anchor component is in the anchoring orientation.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the firstbase, each wall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extentthat protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the secondbase, each wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor componenthaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the secondbase and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component ispivotably associated with the first anchor component via a hingeconnection for movement between an anchoring orientation and anon-anchoring orientation to enable staged installation of the anchorassembly into a wall.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a laterally elongated base member havingfront, back, top, bottom, left and right sides, at least two spacedapart wall penetrating retainers extending from the base member, eachwall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extent thatprotrudes rearwardly of the base member and has a downwardly curvedconfiguration. The second anchor component is pivotably associated withthe base member for movement between an anchoring orientation and anon-anchoring orientation. The second anchor component includes at leastone wall penetrating retainer that extends therefrom and has adownwardly curved configuration when the second anchor member is in itsanchoring orientation. A third anchor component is pivotably associatedwith the base member for movement between an anchoring orientation and anon-anchoring orientation. The third anchor component includes at leastone wall penetrating retainer that extends therefrom and has adownwardly curved configuration when the third anchor component is inits anchoring orientation. The second and third anchor components arepivotable relative the base member independently of each other forselective engagement with a wall in a staged manner.

In another aspect, a method of installing an anchor assembly on a wallinvolves: utilizing an anchor assembly with a first anchor component anda second anchor component, where the second anchor component ispivotably connected to the first anchor component, and each anchorcomponent includes a respective base and at least one wall penetratingretainer extending from the base; placing the anchor assembly against awall with the base of the first anchor component in contact with thewall and a distal end of the wall penetrating retainer in contact withthe wall; manually applying force against the base of the first anchorcomponent to rotate the wall penetrating retainer of the first anchorcomponent into the wall; thereafter pivoting the second anchor componenttoward the first anchor component until a distal end of the wallpenetrating retainer of the second anchor component contacts the wall;and manually applying force against the base of the second anchorcomponent to rotate the wall penetrating retainer of the second anchorcomponent into the wall.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the firstbase, each wall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extentthat protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the secondbase, each wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor componenthaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the secondbase and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component isconnected to the first anchor component via a pivoting connection formovement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoringorientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into awall. When the second anchor component is in the anchoring orientation,each wall penetrating extent of the second anchor component protrudesrearwardly of the base of the first anchor component, each wallpenetrating extent of the second anchor component has a curvature thatis in a same direction as a curvature of each wall penetrating extent ofthe first anchor component and the curvature of each wall penetratingextent of the second anchor component is more aggressive than thecurvature of each wall penetrating extent of the first anchor component.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the firstbase, each wall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extentthat protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the secondbase, each wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor componenthaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the secondbase and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component isconnected to the first anchor component via a pivoting connection formovement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoringorientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into awall. When the second anchor component is in the anchoring orientation,each wall penetrating extent of the second anchor component extends overan upper edge of the base of the first anchor component, protrudesrearwardly of the base of the first anchor component, and has acurvature that is in a same direction as a curvature of each wallpenetrating extent of the first anchor component.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the firstbase, each wall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extentthat protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the secondbase, each wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor componenthaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the secondbase and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component isconnected to the first anchor component via a pivoting connection formovement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoringorientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into awall. The base of the first anchor component is formed by a plate, andthe base of the second anchor component is formed by a plate. When thesecond anchor component is in the anchoring orientation, each wallpenetrating extent of the second anchor component protrudes rearwardlyof the base of the first anchor component, and the plate of the secondanchor component overlies the plate of the first anchor component.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the firstbase, each wall penetrating retainer having a wall penetrating extentthat protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front and backsides, one or more wall penetrating retainers extending from the secondbase, each wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor componenthaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the secondbase and has a curved configuration. The second anchor componentconnected to the first anchor component via a pivoting connection formovement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoringorientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into awall. The base of the first anchor component includes a forwardlyprotruding hook, and the base of the second anchor component includes anopening. When the second anchor component is in the anchoringorientation, each wall penetrating extent of the second anchor componentprotrudes rearwardly of the base of the first anchor component, and thehook of the first anchor component extends through and protrudesforwardly out of the opening in the base of the second outer component.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-9 show one embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIG. 12 shows a side elevation of a wall penetrating retainer;

FIG. 13 shows an end elevation of the wall penetrating retainer of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 shows a partial side elevation of the retainer of FIG. 12engaged within a wallboard;

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 16-17 show an embodiment of an elongated anchor assembly;

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of an elongated anchor assembly;

FIGS. 19A and 19B show another embodiment of an elongated anchorassembly;

FIGS. 20A-20C show underside views of the anchor assembly of FIGS. 19Aand 19B;

FIG. 21 shows one embodiment of an internal axle system of the anchorassembly of FIGS. 19A and 19B;

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of an internal axle system of theanchor assembly of FIGS. 19A and 19B;

FIG. 23 shows an enlarged partial view of the anchor assembly of FIGS.19A and 19B;

FIGS. 24A and 24B show enlarged partial views of the anchor assembly ofFIGS. 19A and 19B with anchor components removed;

FIGS. 25A-25C depict an install sequence for the anchor assembly ofFIGS. 19A and 19B;

FIGS. 26-30 show another embodiment of an elongated anchor assembly;

FIGS. 31-32 show another embodiment of an elongated anchor assembly;

FIGS. 33A-33C show another embodiment of an anchor assembly; and

FIG. 34 schematically depicts another embodiment of an anchor assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and description of various anchor embodiments below, theterm wallboard is generally used to refer to the most common wallboardsuch as drywall, but it is recognized that the anchor components couldbe suitable for any other friable wallboard material, such as densecorks or foams or other materials that can crumble. Accordingly, theterm wallboard as used herein is intended to broadly encompass, forexample, both typical drywall (aka plasterboard and gypsum board) andsuch other friable wallboard materials.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, an anchor assembly 10 is shown. The anchorassembly 10 includes a pair of anchor components 11 and 13 pivotablyengaged with each other so that anchor component 13 can move between anon-anchoring orientation (e.g., FIG. 1) and an anchoring orientation(e.g., FIG. 2) relative to anchor component 11. Anchor component 11includes a base 14 having front 16, back 18, top 20, bottom 22, left 24and right 26 sides. In the illustrated configuration the base 14 isformed by a base plate (e.g., metal plate), the front side 16 and backside 18 are formed by the substantially planar front and rear surfacesof the base plate, and the top side 20, bottom side 22, left side 24 andright side 26 are formed by respective edges of the base plate. However,it is recognized that different configurations for the base 14 arepossible as will be evident from other embodiments described below. Oneor more wall penetrating retainers 28 (in the illustrated case a pair ofspaced apart retainers) extend from the base 14, each retainer having acorresponding wall penetrating extent 29 with a primarily downwardlycurved configuration as will be described in greater detail below.

Anchor component 13 includes a base 114 with front 116, back 118, top120, bottom 122, left 124 and right 126 sides. As used herein thereferences front and back in relation to the anchor component 13 referto portions of the anchor component 13 when in its anchoringorientation. In the illustrated embodiment base 114 is also formed by abase plate, which may be referred to as the outer plate in the contextof the overall anchor assembly. Anchor component 13 is pivotablyconnected to the anchor component 11 (e.g., by way of a hinge connection70 toward the bottom of the base plate and the bottom of the outerplate). The plates may, by way of example, be metal plates such asspring steel, but variations are possible. Likewise, bases that are notof plate construction are contemplated. The hinge connection 70 enablesthe anchor component 13 to move between the anchoring orientation (e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 9) relative to the anchor component 11 and a non-anchoringorientation (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 8) relative to the anchor component 11.

The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-9 shows the hinge connection 70between the outer plate and the base plate as a closed hinge connection(i.e., one in which the hinge is configured to prevent the two piecesfrom being readily separated). The hinge connection 70 is formed by ahinge loop 74 formed by looped material of the base plate 14, where thehinge loop 74 captures a hinge pin 76 formed by a strip of the baseplate 114 that bounds one side of an opening 78 in the base plate 114.Notably, the top portion 80 of the hinge loop 74 is formed as a flat(with little or no curve), which facilitates formation by progressivestamping. Of course, alternative embodiments for hinge connections arepossible. For example, referring to FIG. 10, an anchor assembly 10A isshown in which a base plate 14A and an outer plate 114A engage eachother by way of an open hinge connection 70A achieved by an upwardlyturned lip 150 at the bottom of the base plate to form a seating groove152 into which the bottom edge of the outer plate 114A may be positionedas shown. The groove 152 provides a stable pivot surface to facilitatepivot of the outer plate 114A relative to the base plate 14A duringanchor installation (as will be described in more detail below relativethe embodiment of FIGS. 1-6), while at the same time enabling the outerplate 114A to be removed from the base plate 14A by pulling the outerplate 114A upward and out of the groove 152. In this open hingeconfiguration, the orientation shown in FIG. 10 represents anon-anchoring orientation of the outer plate 114A of the anchor assembly10A.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, in the anchoring orientation, the backside 118 of the outer plate 114 is positioned alongside and forward ofthe front side 16 of the base plate 14 to cover a significant portion ofthe base plate 14, and one or more wallboard penetrating retainers 128that extend from the base plate 114 each have a wall penetrating extent129 the protrudes rearwardly of the base plate 114 and has a downwardlycurved configuration. In the non-anchoring orientation the outer plate114 hangs below the base plate 14. A hook element 30 extends forwardlyfrom the anchor assembly when the outer plate 114 is in the anchoringorientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook element 30protrudes forward of the front side 16 of the base plate 14, and extendsthrough an opening 131 in the outer plate 114. In this arrangement, whenan item is hung on the hook element (e.g., a picture wire or bracketengaged on the hook element) the component that engages with the hookelement 30 will operate in conjunction with the hook element 30 toinhibit rotation of the outer plate 114 from the anchoring orientationtoward the non-anchoring orientation. In an alternative embodiment, thehook element may extend from the outer plate 114, per the anchorassembly 10D of FIG. 11 where a hook element 130 is formed by aforwardly curved portion of the outer plate 114.

Although the number of wallboard penetrating retainers can vary, in theillustrated embodiment two wallboard penetrating retainers 28 extendfrom the base plate 14, and two wallboard penetrating retainers 128extend from the outer plate 114. Notably, the two wallboard penetratingretainers 28 are laterally spaced apart by a distance D1 and the twowallboard penetrating retainers are laterally spaced apart by a distanceD2, where D2 is smaller than D1. Thus, as viewed from the frontelevation of FIG. 7, the wallboard penetrating retainers 128 arepositioned between the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 when theanchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation. In the illustratedimplementation, the retainers 28 and the retainers 128 are all locatedat substantially the same height when the anchor assembly achieves itsfinal install position in the wallboard. In particular, and as best seenin FIG. 9, one or more portions of the back side of the base 14 of theanchor component lie in a wall mount plane (e.g., represented by frontwall surface 12A) and respective portions of the wall penetratingretainers 28 and 128 that lie in the wall mount plane when anchorcomponent 13 is in the anchoring orientation are positioned atsubstantially the same height as reflected at region 82. However, it isrecognized that variations are possible, such as an arrangement in whichthe retainers 128 are located higher than the retainers 28 or anarrangement in which the retainers 28 are located lower than theretainers 128. Moreover, in another alternative variation the distanceD2 between retainers 128 could be larger than the distance D1 betweenretainers 28, so that, as viewed from a front elevation, the wallboardpenetrating retainers 28 are positioned between the wallboardpenetrating retainers 128 when the outer plate 114 is in the anchoringorientation.

As shown, the back side 118 of the outer plate 114 may at least in partabut and/or seat against the front side 16 or other part of the baseplate 14 when the anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation.This arrangement provides for stability of the overall anchor assemblyand enables a user to readily recognize when the anchor assembly isfully installed. Such contact may be achieved be engaged planarsurfaces, or one or more discrete contact points of contact between theback of the outer plate and the base plate, and in some cases very smallcontact points or area could be provided between the two. In otherarrangements some contact points between the outer plate 114 and thewall surface 12A could be provided for stability.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wallboard penetrating retainers 128of the outer plate 114 pass over the top side or edge of the base plate14 when the anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation.However, it is recognized that other variations are possible, such asthe inclusion of one or more openings in the base plate 14 through whichthe retainers 128 extend when the anchor component 13 is moved to theanchoring orientation, or such as the retainers 128 passing around theleft and right sides of the base plate 14.

The basic two anchor component arrangement provides for an advantageousand user friendly method for installation. In particular, referring toFIGS. 8-9, a method of installing the anchor assembly 10 includesplacing the bottom side 20 of the base plate 14 adjacent a front surface12A of the wallboard 12 with a distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainers 28 in contact with the front surface 12A (as schematicallyrepresented by dashed line form of anchor component 11) and with theanchor component 13 in a non-anchoring orientation as shown in FIG. 8.Pressure P is applied to the base plate 14 (preferably by the user'sthumbs, but alternately a tool could be used) to rotate the wallboardpenetrating extents 29 of the retainers 28 into the wallboard until theback side 16 of the base plate 14 seats against the front surface 12A ofthe wallboard. Next, the anchor component 13 is pivoted upward, perarrow 72, until a distal end of the wallboard penetrating retainers 128of the outer plate 114 comes into contact with the front surface of thewallboard. Pressure can then be applied to the outer plate 114 to rotatethe wallboard penetrating extents 129 of the retainers 128 into thewallboard (in a similar manner to that described above) until the anchorcomponent 13 achieves the anchoring orientation and final installposition shown in FIG. 9. This two stage method of retainer penetrationresults in an anchor assembly with a suitable number of retainers tohold larger weights without requiring excessive forces to move theretainers into the wall.

In the illustrated anchor assembly 10, and as best seen in FIGS. 5 and6, the base 14 includes an upper head portion 37 and a lower bodyportion 39 (e.g., formed in part by spaced apart stabilizing legs 35),and the base 114 includes an upper head portion 137 and a lower bodyportion 139. The stabilizing legs 35 extend away from the locations ofwall penetrating retainers 28 and can provide for better seating of thedistal side or bottom side of the base 14 against an uneven wall surface(e.g., a wall surface that has been textured). Each stabilizing leg 35is also substantially aligned laterally with a respective one of thewall penetrating retainers, and the hinge loop 74 is disposed betweenthe legs 35. A lateral width of each of the head portion 37 is greaterthan a lateral width of the body portion 39, and a lateral width of thehead portion 137 is greater than a lateral width of the body portion139. Each head portion 39, 139 is located vertically between therespective wall penetrating retainers 28, 128 and the body portion 39,139. The head portion 137 includes left and right side lobes or ears137′, which extend laterally outward beyond the lateral location of therespective left and right retainers 128. The two lobes form respectiveleft and right thumb capture zones (e.g., proximate the upper left andright corners or regions of the anchor component base where theretainers are located) that enable an install force applied by a user'sthumbs to be substantially directed to the retainers 128 (e.g., aninstall force applied at the left thumb capture zone is substantiallydirected to the left wall penetrating retainer and an install forceapplied at the right thumb capture zone to be substantially directed tothe right wall penetrating retainer). In the case of anchor component11, the head portion has left and right thumb capture zones formed bythe left and right sides of the head portion 37. Each thumb capture zonemay also be formed with an indentation, embossment and/or stampedoutline.

Notably, as mentioned above, the wallboard penetrating extents of theretainers 28 and 128 both have a primarily downwardly curvedconfiguration when anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation.In this regard, the wallboard penetrating extents 29 and 129 are bothpreferably arcuate. In such implementations, the radius of curvature R₂₈defined of the arcuate extents 29 may have a center point 34 that isproximate the bottom side of the base plate 14. In particular, thecenter point 34 of the radius of curvature R₂₈ may desirably bepositioned at a rear, bottom corner of the base plate where the bottomside of the base plate meets the back side of the base plate as shown.This geometry minimizes the energy and force required to insert theretainers 28, minimizes damage to the wall and results in small wallsurface perforations when the anchor is removed. For similar reasons,the wallboard penetrating retainers 128 may have a radius of curvatureR₁₂₈ with a center point 134 substantially aligned with the pivot axisof the hinge connection 70, though this pivot axis may move slightly dueto play in the hinge. This pivot axis runs substantially parallel to thewall mount plane of the base 14.

In one implementation, each radius of curvature R₂₈ and R₁₂₈ may bebetween about 1.20 inches and about 1.45 inches. However, in the anchorassembly 10 the radius of curvature R128 will be slightly smaller thanthe radius of curvature R28, resulting in the retainers 128 passing intoand within the wall 128 at a slightly more aggressive angle than theretainers 28, as best seen in FIG. 9.

Where the retainers 128 on the outer plate 114 are the same size as theretainers 28 on base plate 14, when the outer plate is in the anchoringorientation, a spacing between the back side of the base plate 14 and adistal end of the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 will be slightlygreater than a spacing between the back side of the base plate 14 and adistal end of the wallboard penetrating retainers 128, with thedifference being substantially the same as the thickness of the baseplate 14. However, other variations are possible, such as whereretainers 128 are slightly longer than retainers 28 so that the distalends of both the retainers 28 and 128 end up at substantially the samedepth (measured perpendicular to wall surface 12A) in the wall 12, aswill described in more detail below.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment,each wall penetrating retainer 28 and 128 departs its respective basewith an initial forward progression reflected by angle θ1 and then turnsback (e.g., with the illustrated relatively sharp curve) to define arearward and downward progression along the wall penetrating extent 29,129 (e.g., having a primary arcuate shape as described above). By way ofexample, angle θ1 (e.g., taken relative to a plane parallel to the wallmount plane at the back side of the base 14) may be between about 3degrees and about 30 degrees (such as between about 10 degrees and about20 degrees or between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees), thoughvariations are possible. The initial forward progression can be achievedby a slight forward bend in the entire top edge of each base, or can beachieved by having only the retainers bend forward as they leave the topedge of the base plate. In the illustrated embodiment the initialportion of each retainer is flared as it leaves the base. This forwardprogression feature is advantageous because it provides clearance for agenerous retainer bend-radius at the juncture of the retainer and thebase plate to prevent stress cracking at this point of maximum bendingload while assuring that when fully inserted the rear side of the baseplate can land flush with the wall. In this regard, the initial portionof each wall penetrating retainer 28, 128 that is forward of the backside of the respective base 14, 114 curves forward and then curvesrearward as shown, and a radius of curvature at every point along theinitial portion may be no less than 100% (e.g., no less than 125%) ofthe plate thickness. The wall penetrating extent 29, 129 of eachretainer extends generally from the wall mount plane to the distal endof the retainer.

Notably, the initial forward progression feature described above alsodisplaces or offsets the retainers 28 from the base 14 and the retainers128 from the base 114. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment althoughthe wall penetrating extents 29 and 129 are located rearward of the base14 (when anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation), theextents 29 and 129 are not located directly behind the base 14, whichaids in pull-out retention by providing a greater vertical distancebetween the retainers and the bottom side of the base 14 about which aninstalled anchor will seek to pivot when loaded.

In order to facilitate anchor installation, the wall penetratingretainers 28 and 128 can also be configured with other advantageousfeatures.

For example, to facilitate manual wallboard penetration and passagewithout tools, utilizing thumb force only (e.g., applied at the thumbcapture zones), the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 may beformed with a relatively smooth external surface finish (e.g., achievedby polishing, painting or plating). In this regard, the surface of thewallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 can be manufactured with ormodified to a maximum average surface roughness of about 20 μinch (e.g.,in some cases n a maximum average surface roughness of about 15 μinch).In one implementation, just the wallboard penetrating extent of each ofthe wallboard penetrating retainers is worked, processed or otherwiseformed to achieve this desired low surface roughness feature in order toreduce manufacturing cost. The latter implementation would reduceinstall force but maintain friction on the rougher portions of thepenetrating retainer to resist removal forces. The retainers may have apolished surface finish and/or a plated surface finish and/or a paintedfinish and/or a lubricant (e.g., Teflon) incorporated into the surfacefinish.

The distal ends of the retainers 28 and 128 may also be configured tofacilitate installation. In this regard, and referring to FIGS. 12 and13, the distal end 28′ of each wallboard penetrating retainer 28includes a pointed tip that is shaped to provide a point 36 when viewedin cross-section taken along a vertical plane running along a length ofthe wallboard penetrating retainer, where the point 36 is defined by abevel 38 at a bottom side of the distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainer. In particular, in the illustrated side elevation it is seenthat the wall penetrating extent 29 includes a concave curved surface 43separated form a convex curved surface 45, and lateral an opposed sidesurfaces 47 that are substantially planar and that extend between theconvex curved surface and the concave curved surface. The bevel 36extends from the concave surface 43 toward the point 36 and little or nobevel extends from the convex surface 45 toward the point 36, to therebyplace the point 36 closer to the convex surface of the wall penetratingextent. This type of beveled point is advantageous because theapplicants have discovered that including a bevel at the top side of thewallboard penetrating retainer disadvantageously creates a reactionforce with the wallboard material that tends to cause the bottom side ofthe base plate to be pivoted out away from the front surface of thewallboard. Side bevels 49 may also be optionally incorporated to achievethe point 36 as shown. In one implementation, a lateral width W₃₆ of thepoint is no more than 35% of a lateral width W₂₉ of a major portion ofthe wall penetrating extent, and a thickness T₃₆ of the point is no morethan about 40% of a thickness T₂₉ of the major portion of the wallpenetrating extent. The above-described configuration may also beapplied to the retainers 128.

Proper sizing of the wallboard penetrating retainer(s) can also be usedto achieve more user friendly performance of an anchor. In particular,and referring again to FIG. 9, it is seen that in some implementationswhen the anchor assembly 10 is installed at the front surface of a wall,the distal ends of the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 may bepositioned proximate to a wallboard rear surface 12B without passingthrough the rear surface. Referring to FIG. 14, in some arrangements ofthis type, the distal end 28A′ of the wallboard penetrating retaineractually contacts an internal side 42 of the paper layer 44 that definesthe rear surface of the wallboard but, again, does not pass through thepaper layer 44. The distal end of the wallboard penetrating retainer mayeven cause a localized rearward protrusion 46 in the paper layer 44 at apoint of contact with the paper layer but, again, without passingthrough the paper layer 44. Arrangements of this type, in which thewallboard penetrating retainer is in contact with or proximate the paperlayer 44 defining the rear surface 12B without passing through thatpaper layer are advantageous in that applicants have discovered that itcan take five pounds or more of additional force to install an anchor ifthe distal ends of the retainers must pass through rear paper layer 44in order to achieve final anchor seating position. For the generalconsumer/home/residential application, the majority of drywall is ½ inchthick, and therefore the retainers can be sized with this in mind. Insuch cases, a perpendicular distance D29 of the wall penetrating extent29 between the wall mount plane 41 and the point at the distal end ofthe wall penetrating retainer can be no more than 0.50 inches (e.g.,between about 0.44 inches and about 0.50 inches for assuring that whenthe anchor is installed on a wallboard that is ½ inch thick the wallpenetrating retainer will approach but not pass through a back side ofthe wallboard). Of course, in some embodiments the retainers could belonger and pierce the back paper layer of the wallboard. Again, theabove-described configuration may also be applicable to the retainers128 when the anchor assembly 10 is installed with anchor component 13 inits anchoring orientation.

Generally, by properly selecting the cross-sectional size and number ofwall penetrating retainers used on each anchor component and/or byincorporating one or more of the above wall penetrating retainerfeatures, each anchor component can be manually inserted into type Xgypsum wallboard (with physical characteristics per the ASTMC1396—Standard Specification For Gypsum Board) by positioning the bottom(or distal) side adjacent the wallboard and rotating the anchor upwardto move the wallboard penetrating member into the wallboard with a forceP (FIG. 8) of no more than 15 pounds per retainer normal to the baseplate at the retainer location when the distal ends of the retainers donot penetrate the rear side of the wallboard per design. Measurement ofthe level of insertion force required can be achieve utilizing a forcegage mounted to a rotating fixture so that the measured pressure orforce “P” is always proximate to the penetrating retainer(s) and normalto the base plate at the retainer location, with a rotationalinstallation time of about 2.0 seconds where the starting point ofrotation is with the distal end(s) of the retainer(s) against thewallboard and the ending point of rotation corresponds to final seatingof the anchor. In anchor embodiments having a single retainer(contemplated below), the installation force to final seating of theanchor should typically be 15 pounds total or less. In anchorembodiments having two retainers, the total installation force to finalseating of the anchor should typically be 30 pounds total or less. Ineither case, the required total level of force can advantageously beachieved without the use of tools.

In one example, such low insertion forces for the retainer(s) of a givenanchor component may be achieved where the retainers have pointed distalends as described above and a generally uniform cross-section along theremainder of the wall penetrating extent of the retainer, where an areaof the cross-section is no more than about 2.5 mm². In one example, inthe case retainers of rectangular cross-section as suggested in anchor10, the main segment of the wall penetrating extent of each retainer maybe on the order of 0.042 inches by 0.068 inches (e.g., 0.042 inchesthick and 0.068 inches wide), resulting in a cross-sectional area ofabout 0.00286in² (about 1.845 mm²). In another example, the main segmentof the wall penetrating extent may have a rectangular cross-section onthe order of 0.050 inches by 0.075 inches (e.g., 0.050 inches thick and0.075 inches wide), resulting in a cross-sectional area of about 0.00375in² (about 2.419 mm²). Regardless of whether one or multiple retainersare used on any given anchor component, it may be advantageous (e.g.,for the purpose of ease of install and/or for the purpose of limitingwall damage) to assure that the total retainer cross-sectional area(e.g., the cross-sectional area of one retainer if only one is used orthe total cross-sectional area of two retainers if two retainers areused) of each anchor component is no more than about 5 mm² (about 0.008square inches, or in some cases no more than about 6 mm²), where thecross-section of each wall penetrating extent of the retainer is takenperpendicularly to a lengthwise axis 292 (FIG. 12) of the retainer(which axis is curved like the retainer) and is taken at any locationalong a length of the wall penetrating extent 29 that will embed withina wall (e.g., a cross-section in any of planes 294, 296 or 298). Thisarrangement facilitates installation by hand (without using tools) andreduced wall hole size that must be repaired after anchor removal.

Advantageously, such retainer sizes, combined with a radius of curvatureas described above, provide desired low insertion forces, while at thesame time resulting in both relatively small penetration holes in thewallboard and relatively high hanging load capability (e.g., 30 poundsper retainer). Thus, the anchor assembly can be installed in a stagedmanner without the use of tools (e.g., by user thumb force to rotateeach anchor component) and provide a very beneficial load supportcapability once installed. Moreover, upon removal of the anchor assemblyfrom the wall the size of the hole(s) that are left for repair will besmall, which (i) makes it simpler for the novice homeowner to make aclean wall repair and (ii) more readily allows for slight repositioningof the anchor (e.g., in close proximity to the existing holes) ifneeded.

As mentioned above, other anchor assembly configurations are possible.For example, in the anchor assembly 10C of FIG. 15 anchor component 13Cis pivotably connected to anchor component 11C and the base 114Cincludes both a retainer portion 190 and a connection portion 192, bothof which are substantially planar, with the retainer portion 190 and theconnection portion 192 angled relative to each other at an angle Φ1other than 180 degrees. When anchor component 13C is in the anchoringorientation, the retainer portion 190 is oriented substantially parallelwith the base 14C and the connection portion 192 plate will angle awayfrom the both the base plate 14C and the retainer portion 190.

Although the illustrated base plate and outer plate are contemplated asmonolithic structures (e.g., produced by a progressive formingoperation), the retainers could be formed separately (e.g., of wireform) and then attached to the respective plates. the anchor componentscould be formed with snap in place retainers (e.g., wire form retainersthat snap into place on metal or plastic plate) or the anchor componentscould be produced using an overmold process (e.g., an overmold toconnect retainers to a plastic plate or an overmold of the metal plateand retainer combination). Moreover, while the embodiments shown hereinshow each base plate having a single outer plate connected thereto, itis recognized that an elongated base plate could have two or more spacedapart outer plates pivotably connected thereto.

In this regard, and referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, an embodiment ofan anchor assembly 310 including an anchor component 311 with anelongated base member in the form of base plate 314 having front 316,back 318, top 320, bottom 322, left 324 and right 326 sides is shown.One or more wallboard penetrating retainers 328 extend from the base 314and have wall penetrating extents with a downwardly curvedconfiguration. Here, the retainers 328 are spaced apart towards oppositeends of the base plate and extend from the top side or top edge of thebase plate. The base plate 314 includes spaced apart hook elements 330to facilitate object hanging (e.g., via picture wire engagement with thespaced apart hooks). The base plate 314 may also include a bubble 332level attached thereto (e.g., inserted within a bubble level supportslot 334) or otherwise attached to the base plate 314, such as byadhesive or by a magnet.

Multiple additional anchor components 350 are pivotably connected to thebase plate, here by respective hinge loops 352 of the base plate 314.Each anchor component 350 may, by way of example, be of a similarconfiguration to the anchor component 13 described in detail above. Eachanchor component 352 is movable between an anchoring orientation (shown)and a non-anchoring orientation (not shown, but comparable to thenon-anchoring orientation of component 13 above). Notably, each of theanchor component 350 is movable independently of the others forselective engagement with a wall in a staged manner. Each anchorcomponent 350 has at least one (here two) wall penetrating retainer 356that extends from the base of the component and has a downwardly curvedconfiguration (e.g., with arcuate extents as described above) when theanchor component 350 is in the anchoring orientation.

As mentioned above, the staged application of anchor install enables theoverall assembly to resist more loading when installed in a wall, whilestill enabling each anchor member to be installed in the wall with areasonable, achievable amount of user force applied manually to theanchor (e.g., by the user's thumbs) without the need for tools. In thisregard, for the purpose of wall install the anchor component 311 mayfirst be installed into the wall by rotation about the lower edge of thebase plate 314, and the center of the radius of curvature of theretainers 328 substantially aligns with such lower rear corner tofacilitate this first stage of installation. Once the anchor component311 is installed, each anchor component 350 can be rotated from itsnon-anchoring orientation to its anchoring orientation on an individualbasis by applying pressure to the front side of the base of thecomponent 350. The retainers 356 on the anchor components 350 haveradius of curvatures with centers substantially aligned within the hingeloops 352. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment with four anchorcomponents 350 pivotable mounted on anchor component 311, a five stageinstallation is used, one stage for the anchor component 311 and onestage each for the four anchor components 350.

Variations of the above anchor assembly 310 are possible, includingvariations in which the base plate member includes cutouts that enablethe outer plates to seat against the wall when in the anchoringorientation, or variations in which the anchor plates pivotably connectto the upper side of the base plate member so as to be positioned abovethe base plate member and against the wall when in the anchoringorientation.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the anchor assembly 710 issimilar to anchor assembly 310 above, except that only two anchorcomponents 750 are pivotably mounted to the elongated anchor component711. This arrangement provides for a 3 stage installation sequence. Alevel 732 and hook elements 730 are provided on the base 714 of anchorcomponent 711. By comparison, it is contemplated that the laterallyelongated base 714 may be on the order of 5-10 inches in length (side toside), whereas the laterally elongated base 314 may be on the order of10-20 inches in length (side to side). However, in each case variationsare possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-25, an embodiment of an anchor assembly 410including an anchor component 411 with an elongated base member 414 inthe form of an elongated plastic body having front 416, back 418, top420, bottom 422, left 424 and right 426 sides is shown. One or morerearwardly extending wallboard penetrating retainers 428 have adownwardly curved configuration. Here, the retainers 428 are spacedapart towards opposite ends of the elongated base member and extend fromspaced apart plate-type primary anchor members 470 that extend upwardfrom the top side of the base member 414. The base member includes anupper edge groove 472 that functions to support objects (e.g., viapicture wire engagement with the groove). In the illustrated embodimentthe groove also extends downward on the left and right sides of body ofthe base member. The base member 414 may also include a bubble 432 levelattached thereto, here inserted within a bubble level support slot 434at the front side of the base member.

The elongated base member may be comprised of a plastic material andincludes one or more internal axles 480 (e.g., FIG. 21 represents asingle axle embodiment, and FIG. 22 represents a double axleembodiment). In one example the axles may be formed of metal. Referringagain to FIGS. 20A-20C, in one embodiment the axles or axles areinserted into a bottom groove or slot 482 of the base member 414 to seatwithin the base member. The slot may have a series of spaced apart ribs484 contoured to matingly engage with the outer surface of the axle(e.g., as by a press-fit or a snap-fit). However, other connectingfeatures between the axles and the base member could be used. Eachprimary anchor may be connected with the axle(s) 480 by way of a hingering 440 at the bottom of the anchor. The primary anchors extend upwardfrom respective slots 442 in the base member.

Multiple anchor components 450 are pivotably connected to the anchorcomponent 411 via the base member (e.g., again via respective hingeloops 452 that engage the axle). Each anchor component 450 extendsupward from the base member via a respective slot 454 in the basemember. Each anchor component 450 is movable between a non-anchoringorientation (shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B) and an anchoring orientation(shown in FIG. 25C). In this regard, the slots 454 are sized to providesufficient clearance for the anchor components 450 to achieve thenon-anchoring orientation as best seen in FIG. 23 where a gap 457between the front side of the anchor plate and the most forward edge ofthe slot 454 is shown. By contrast, the slots 442 for the primary anchordo not provide clearance that would enable the primary anchors to pivotforward (e.g., to the left in FIGS. 25A-25C) relative to the anchorcomponent 411 in such a manner. The slots 442 and 454 may be sized andconfigured to enable the axle and anchor assembly to be inserted intothe elongated base member in the manner previously described.

In the illustrated embodiment each anchor component 450 has a back sidethat sits generally in alignment with the back side of the base member414 when in the anchoring orientation, such that both will be in contactwith the front surface of a wall upon install as shown in FIG. 25C, butother variations are possible. Notably, each of the anchor components450 is movable independently of the others for selective engagement witha wall in a staged manner. Each anchor component 450 has at least one(here two) wall penetrating retainer 456 that extends rearwardly of thebase member 411 and has a downwardly curved configuration when theanchor component 450 is in the anchoring orientation. In this regard,FIGS. 25A-25C depict an install sequence for the anchor assembly, withthe elongated base member anchors 470 first being installed into thewall by rotation about the lower edge of the base member 414 (perpressure application P1), and the center of the radius of curvature ofthe arcuate wall penetrating extents of the retainers 428 substantiallyaligns with such lower edge to facilitate this first stage ofinstallation as indicated by R₄₂₈ in FIG. 25A. Once the anchor component411 is installed, each anchor component 450 can then be rotated from itsnon-anchoring orientation to its anchoring orientation on an individualbasis by applying pressure P2 to the front side of the outer plate. Theretainers 456 on the anchor components 450 each have arcuate wallpenetrating extents with a radius of curvature with a centersubstantially aligned within the internal hinge axle (e.g. per R₄₅₆ inFIG. 25B).

Notably, in the illustrated anchor assembly 411 the wall penetratingretainers 456 are positioned vertically higher than the retainers 428.The retainers 456 enter the wall 12 at a more aggressive angle than theanchors 428 because R₄₂₈ is larger than R₄₅₆.

Referring to FIGS. 26-30, another embodiment of an anchor assembly 510is shown which is similar in configuration to anchor assembly 410, witha number of exceptions. The first involves the manner in which theanchors 570 (with respective retainers 528) are installed on the basemember 514 to form anchor component 511. Rather than being engaged withan axle within the base member 514, as best seen in FIG. 28 each anchor570 has a u-shaped body profile for slidingly engaging with a portion590 of the body of the base member 514 (e.g., in a press-fit or snap-fitengagement). In addition, as best seen in FIG. 29 the internal axle(s)580 of the base member is/are of monolithic construction with the basemember 514 (e.g., molded with the base member), and the hinge loop 552of each anchor component 550 (with respective retainers 556) has a moreopen configuration that allows the hinge loop to be connected to theaxle via insertion through the slot 554 in the base member 514. Again,each anchor component 550 is independently pivotable relative to thebase member 514 of anchor component 511 in order to provide for thedesirable staged installation, and a level element 532 is provided onthe base member 514. The center of the radius of curvature of the wallpenetrating extents of the retainers 528 is at the lower edge (rearcorner) of the base member 514, and the center of the radius ofcurvature of the wall penetrating extents of the retainers 556 issubstantially aligned with the internal hinge axle 580.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-32, another embodiment of an anchor assembly610 is shown in which the base member 614 is formed by an axle 680(e.g., of metal) with stabilizing brackets 686 at each end of the axle680. Each stabilizing bracket 686 includes an upward facing groove orslot 688 that functions to support objects (e.g., via picture wireengagement with the spaced apart slots 688). Primary anchors 670 engagethe axle 680 and provide respective wall penetrating retainers 628 ofthe anchor component 611, which is formed by the base 614 in combinationwith the anchors 670. Four anchor components 650 pivotably engage theaxle 680 and include respective wall penetrating retainers 656, with theanchor components 650 being pivotable independent of each other, and alevel element 632 is mounted on the axle 680. The center of the radiusof curvature of the wall penetrating extents of retainers 628 may be atthe lower rear corner of the stabilizing brackets 686, and the center ofthe radius of curvature of the wall penetrating extents of the retainers656 may be substantially aligned with the center line of the axle 680.

It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended byway of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by wayof limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible.For example, Other configurations are also possible.

For example, FIGS. 33A-33C depict an anchor assembly 10B in which apivot axis of the hinged connection 70B between the anchor component 11B(with base plate 14B and retainers 28B) and the anchor component 13B(with outer plate 114B and retainers 128B) is positioned forward of thebase plate 14B to enable the retainers 128B of the outer plate to enterthe wall at an even more aggressive angle than the retainers 28B (asbest seen in FIG. 13C). This configuration would provide increased loadcarrying capability. In one example, the pivot axis is displaced forwardof the wall contacting portion of the back side of the base plate (e.g.,forward of the wall mount plane 41B) by a distance D_(70B) that is atleast 3 mm (such as at least 5 mm, or at least 7 mm) or at least 0.15inches (such as at least 0.25 inches, or at least 0.40 inches), butvariations are possible.

In another example shown schematically in FIG. 34, an anchor assembly10E could include a hinged connection 70E between base plate 14E andouter plate 114E that is raised, enabling a hook element 30E to belocated on the base plate 14E, with the bottom side of the outer plate114E being above and clear of the hook element 30E when the anchorassembly is installed. The radius of curvature of the arcuate wallpenetrating extents of the retainers 128E of the outer plate may besmaller than the radius of curvature of the acruate wall penetratingextents of the retainers 28E of the base plate in such and embodiment.

Other variations and configurations are possible.

What is claimed is: 1-68. (canceled)
 69. A method of installing ananchor assembly on a wall, comprising: utilizing an anchor assembly witha first anchor component and a second anchor component, where the secondanchor component is pivotably connected to the first anchor component,and each anchor component includes a respective base and at least onewall penetrating retainer extending from the base; placing the anchorassembly against a wall with the base of the first anchor component incontact with the wall and a distal end of the wall penetrating retainerin contact with the wall; manually applying force against the base ofthe first anchor component to rotate the wall penetrating retainer ofthe first anchor component into the wall; thereafter pivoting the secondanchor component toward the first anchor component until a distal end ofthe wall penetrating retainer of the second anchor component contactsthe wall; and manually applying force against the base of the secondanchor component to rotate the wall penetrating retainer of the secondanchor component into the wall. 70-75. (canceled)
 76. An anchorcomponent for use in hanging an object on a wall, comprising: a baseplate including a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, atop side and a bottom side; a first wall penetrating retainer extendingfrom the base plate at a location toward the top side and the left sideof the base plate and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudesrearwardly of the base plate and has a downwardly curved configuration;a second wall penetrating retainer extending from the base plate at alocation toward the top side and the right side of the base plate andhaving a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the baseplate and has a downwardly curved configuration; an opening through thebase plate passing from the front side to the back side, the openinghaving a lower edge along a bottom width of the of the opening; acontiguous hook element extending from the lower edge of the openingsuch that the hook element protrudes forward of the front side of thebase plate, wherein a width of the contiguous hook element at the loweredge of the opening is less than the bottom width of the opening; a leftthumb capture zone located laterally between the opening and the leftside of the base plate, and a right thumb capture zone located laterallybetween the right side edge of the opening and the right side of thebase plate, wherein the front side of the base plate includes anembossment in the left thumb capture zone, wherein the front side of thebase plate includes an embossment in the right thumb capture zone. 77.An anchor component for use in hanging an object on a wall, comprising:a base plate including a front side, a back side, a left side, a rightside, a top side and a bottom side; a first wall penetrating retainerextending from the base plate at a location toward the top side and theleft side of the base plate and having a wall penetrating extent thatprotrudes rearwardly of the base plate and has a downwardly curvedconfiguration; a second wall penetrating retainer extending from thebase plate at a location toward the top side and the right side of thebase plate and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudesrearwardly of the base plate and has a downwardly curved configuration;an opening through the base plate passing from the front side to theback side, the opening having a lower edge along a bottom width of theopening, a left side edge extending upward from the lower edge and aright side edge extending upward from the lower edge; a contiguous hookelement extending from the lower edge of the opening, wherein thecontiguous hook element protrudes forward of the front side of the baseplate, wherein a width of the contiguous hook element is less than awidth of the opening such that the hook element, at the lower edge ofthe opening, is spaced from the left side edge and the right side edgeof the opening.
 78. The anchor component of claim 77, wherein the baseplate further comprises a left thumb capture zone between the left sideedge of the opening and the left side of the base plate, and a rightthumb capture zone between the right side edge of the opening and theright side of the base plate.
 79. The anchor component of claim 78,wherein the front side of the base plate includes an embossment in theleft thumb capture zone, wherein the front side of the base plateincludes an embossment in the right thumb capture zone.
 80. The anchorcomponent of claim 77, wherein the base plate, first wall penetratingretainer, second wall penetrating retainer and contiguous hook elementare formed as a monolithic unit of metal plate construction.